Computer keyboard

ABSTRACT

An adjustable keyboard assembly and support mounts and keying layout are provided allowing a user to orient keying modules of the assembly in a variety of desired configurations. In one embodiment, the assembly includes pivoting support plates that allow the flexible adjustments. In another embodiment, at least one lift module is utilized to allow achieving multiple tenting angles expediently. In yet another embodiment, a modular support mount assembly is provided to allow the user to mount keying modules to a structure such as a chair using modular mounts that allow for easy and effective peripheral device supports and reconfiguration of the modular support mount assembly to support keying modules and peripheral devices of various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, a keying layout and assembly is provided to improve efficiency and intuitiveness of using a keying module and for programming the keying modules without use of a separate computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/004,502 filed Nov. 28, 2007 wherethis provisional application is incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is generally related to keyboards, and moreparticularly, to an adjustable and ergonomic keyboard and layout andsupporting structure thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Increasing use of computers and other hardware manipulated andcontrolled using keyboards has given rise to rethinking the ergonomicdesign of keyboards. Users often type on keyboards for long durations onconsecutive days, giving rise to aches and pains in the users' hands andarms. Often prolonged use of keyboards with poor hand and armpositioning can lead to conditions such as tendonitis.

Some existing keyboards incorporate designs that result in differentposturing of the user. The effectiveness of such designs varies; howeverone common drawback of conventional designs for adjustable keyboards istheir lack of flexibility.

Typically, adjustable keyboards can be adjusted within a limited set ofadjustment measurements that are decided by the manufacturer. Forexample, some adjustable keyboards can only be repositioned between afew different tenting angles (i.e., the angle at which the base of thekeyboard is inclined with respect to the support surface) or splayingangles (i.e., the angle between inner lateral ends of split keyboards).

Other drawbacks of at least some conventional keyboards include lack ofuser acceptance. In particular, because for years computer users usedearly keyboard designs, they became accustomed to working with anddeveloping muscle memory for remembering the position of the variouskeys on these keyboards. Therefore, users were resistant to trying newdesigns, fearing it would not be as comfortable or that it may reducetheir typing efficiency.

Furthermore, adjustable keyboards that provide slightly more flexibleadjustments are generally more costly to manufacture and thus moreexpensive to purchase.

The industry has also been slow in developing effective accessories foradjustable keyboards. For example, mountable supports that facilitatesupporting a keyboard while attaching to another structure are typicallydeficient in effectively supporting computer peripherals and in allowinga user to reconfigure the support.

Applicants' co-pending application Ser. No. 11/788,733 aims to improveconventional keyboard designs. Although embodiments described in thatapplication improve on conventional designs in areas such as cost, easeof assembly and use, and adjustment flexibility, some embodimentscontinue to have components that have high dimensional tolerances whileother embodiments have certain flexibility drawbacks.

Other aspects of computer keyboards that have not been adequatelyaddressed by conventional designs include keyboard layout andprogramming capabilities. For example, keyboard layouts for Apple®computers have been in large part very basic with few if any keys thathave macros associated with them to carry out functions typicallyrequiring multiple keys. Other keyboards with hot keys are often largein size due to positioning of the hot keys and the hot keys are eithernot efficiently programmable or require driver installation.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally related to keyboards, and moreparticularly, to an ergonomic and adjustable computer keyboard with ahigh level of user acceptance, which provides easy setup and adjustment,familiarity needing minimal adaptation, and having a cost notdramatically higher than a premium conventional computer keyboard.

According to one embodiment, an adjustable keyboard assembly for tentingfirst and second keying modules includes first and second anchor plates,each graduated with successive retaining structural features, a firstsupport plate having a supporting portion and a retaining portion, thesupporting portion configured to be coupled to the first keying moduleand pivotably mounted to the first anchor plate to pivot about at leastone axis with respect to the first anchor plate, the retaining portionbeing coupled to the supporting portion and pivotably mounted to pivotabout at least two axes with respect to the first anchor plate, theretaining portion having an anchoring structural feature configured tobe removably engaged with the respective retaining structural featuresof the first anchor plate to vary and maintain a desired orientation ofthe first keying module, and a second support plate having a supportingportion and a retaining portion, the supporting portion configured to becoupled to the second keying module and pivotably mounted to the secondanchor plate to pivot about at least one axis with respect to the secondanchor plate, the retaining portion being coupled to the supportingportion and pivotably mounted to pivot about at least two axes withrespect to the second anchor plate, the retaining portion having ananchoring structural feature configured to be removably engaged with therespective retaining structural features of the second anchor plate tovary and maintain a desired orientation of the second keying module.

According to another embodiment, an adjustable keyboard assembly foradjusting an orientation of first and second keying modules includes afirst lift module configured to be fixedly coupled with respect to alower portion of the first keying module for spacing a portion of thefirst keying module from a resting surface and configured to fix thefirst keying module at a variety of tenting angles between the lowerportion of the first keying module and the resting surface, the firstlift module including a coupling portion and at least first and secondlimbs, each limb being pivotably coupled with respect to the couplingportion and pivotably coupled with respect to each of the other limbs,the orientation of the first and second limbs with respect to thecoupling portion and with respect to each other being variable to allowfor varying of the tenting angle of the first keying module, and asecond lift module configured to be fixedly coupled with respect to thelower portion of the second keying module for spacing a portion of thesecond keying module from a resting surface and configured to fix thesecond keying module at a variety of tenting angles between the lowerportion of the second keying module and the resting surface, the secondlift module including a coupling portion and at least first and secondlimbs, each limb being pivotably coupled with respect to the couplingportion and pivotably coupled with respect to each of the other limbs,the orientation of the first and second limbs with respect to thecoupling portion and with respect to each other being variable to allowfor varying of the tenting angle of the second keying module.

According to yet another embodiment, an adjustable keyboard assemblyincludes a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal endwith respect to a user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateralend, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion beingconfigured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the lowerportion having an adaptor plate including a plurality of fasteningelements forming a first pattern and a protuberance rigidly attachedthereto and configured to be coupled to an external structure, and auniversal mount module including a plurality of modular mounting memberseach having a plurality of fastening elements forming the first patternsuch that each universal mounting member can be coupled to at least oneof another universal mounting member and to the adaptor plate of thefirst keying module to permit a user to mount the first keying module tothe external structure and form at least one peripheral extension fromone of the modular mounting members extending beyond at least one end ofthe first keying module to support a peripheral device.

According to still another embodiment, an adjustable keyboard assemblyincludes a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal endwith respect to a user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateralend, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion beingconfigured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the firstkeying module including a first latching system including a first slidebutton fixedly coupled to a first latch to move therewith between afirst position and a second position, the first latch having a latchcoupling structure formed on at least one surface thereof, a secondkeying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respect to theuser, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the second keying modulehaving a second latching system including a second slide button fixedlycoupled to a second latch to move therewith between a first position anda second position, the second latch having a latch coupling structureformed on at least one surface thereof, and a tethering module includingfirst and second tether members movably coupled to each other, the firsttether member being coupled to the first keying module and the secondtether member being coupled to the second keying module, allowing thefirst and second keying modules to move with respect to each other, eachof the first and second tether members having a cylindrical projectionelongated about an axis and including a complementary coupling structureformed in the cylindrical projection including a wedge shaped recess inthe cylindrical projection having circumferential terminal ends and atleast two surfaces including a first tapered surface tapered at a firstangle with respect to the axis, the latch coupling region including awedge shape formed by at least two surfaces thereof proximate a cornerof the latch, the coupling region having a second tapered surfacetapered at a second angle with respect to the axis complementary to thefirst angle such that when the latch and complementary couplingstructures are engaged, at least a portion of the first and secondtapered surfaces mate.

According to a further embodiment, a computer keyboard layout includes aplurality of driverless hot keys programmed with distinct functionsarranged adjacent a plurality of standard keys toward an outer lateralend of the keyboard layout, the plurality of standard keys beingsubstantially laterally aligned with the plurality of standard keys.

According to yet a further embodiment, a computer peripheral assemblyincludes a computer peripheral device, a USB OTG port, a memory chip inelectronic communication with the USB OTG port, a plurality ofactivation keys or buttons, the USB OTG port being configured to beelectronically coupled to an external USB device and enable the computerperipheral device to act as a host device to the external USB device,thereby permitting programming at least one of the activation keys orbuttons with functions associated with particular features of theexternal USB device wherein the USB OTG port communicates with thememory chip to store the programmed and assigned functions.

According to still a further embodiment, a method of programming andassigning desired functions to control features of a computer peripheraldevice, respectively, the computer peripheral device including a USB OTGport; a memory chip in electronic communication with the USB OTG port; aplurality of activation keys or buttons, the USB OTG port beingconfigured to be electronically coupled to an external USB device andenable the computer peripheral device to act as a host device to theexternal USB device, includes electronically coupling the USB OTG portto the external USB device, identifying at least one of the controlfeatures of the computer peripheral, activating control feature orfeatures of the external USB device associated with the desiredfunction, and ending the programming session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an adjustable keyboard assembly accordingto one embodiment in a first tenting configuration.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG.1 in a second tenting configuration.

FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of a portion of a support plate of theadjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a support plate coupled to an anchorplate of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG.1 in a third tenting configuration.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a support plate coupled to an anchorplate and an anchor plate of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 1having an extendable portion according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portion of the adjustable keyboardassembly of FIG. 1 in a fourth tenting configuration.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of an adjustable keyboard assemblyaccording to another embodiment in a first tenting configuration.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of respective portions of a liftmodule of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the adjustable keyboard assembly ofFIG. 8 in a second tenting configuration.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the adjustable keyboard assembly ofFIG. 8 in a third tenting configuration.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a lift module of the adjustable keyboardassembly of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an adjustable keyboard assembly according toyet another embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a top plan view and a side elevation view,respectively, of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 14 mounted toa chair according to two respective embodiments.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are isometric views of at least a portion of a lipstructure of the adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 14 according totwo respective embodiments.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an adjustable keyboard assemblyaccording to still another embodiment in a first tenting configuration.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of a keying module of the adjustablekeyboard assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are isometric views of a tethering module of theadjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 17 and a portion thereof,respectively, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are respective bottom plan views of a keying module ofthe adjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 17 with portions removed forclarity of illustration and description, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are isometric and side views of a latch of theadjustable keyboard assembly of FIG. 17, respectively, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of alatch and tether member assembly of the adjustable keyboard assembly ofFIG. 17 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a top view of a keying module and a layout thereof accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view schematically illustrating a programmablekeying module according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable keyboard assembly 100 according to oneembodiment. The adjustable keyboard assembly 100 includes first andsecond keying modules 102, 104, first and second anchor plates 106, 108,and first and second support plates 110, 112. As illustrated in FIG. 2,the first and second anchor plates 106, 108, each include a plurality ofretaining structural features 114 arranged sequentially along alongitudinal axis 116 of the assembly 100. In some embodiments, theretaining structural features 114 are equally spaced, and in otherembodiments they are not equally spaced.

Each of the first and second support plates 110, 112, includes aretaining portion 118 and a supporting portion 120. The followingdescription is directed to the first keying module 102 and a similar andoppositely situated configuration applies to the second keying module104. The supporting portion 120 is coupled to the first keying module102 along a surface thereof. The supporting portion 120 is pivotablymounted to pivot about at least a first axis 122 with respect to thefirst anchor plate 106. The retaining portion 118 is pivotably mountedto pivot about at least first and second axes 122, 124 with respect tothe first anchor plate 106. For example, the retaining portion 118 canbe coupled to the supporting portion 120 toward a first end of theretaining portion 118 and the supporting portion 120 can be pivotablycoupled to the first anchor plate 106 to pivot about the first axis 122.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a portion of the first support plate110 in isolation according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a frontview of the first support plate 110 with its supporting portion 120pivotably coupled to the anchor plate 106 and its retaining portion 118anchored in the first anchor plate 106, according to one embodiment. Thefollowing describes this arrangement with respect to the first supportplate 110 and substantially the same and opposite arrangement applies tothe second support plate 112.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the retaining portion 118 includes ananchoring structural feature 126 configured to be removably engaged tothe respective retaining structural features 114 of the first anchorplate 106 to maintain a desired orientation of the first support plate110, and therefore, of the first keying module 102 by pivoting theretaining and supporting portions 118, 120. As illustrated in FIG. 4,the retaining structural features 114 can also be arranged or spacedsequentially along the lateral axis 128 (FIG. 2) of the adjustablekeyboard assembly 100. The anchoring structural features 126 can also belaterally arranged such that they correspond to the positioning of theretaining structural features 114, and can easily be inserted therein toretain the supporting portion 120 at a particular angle with respect tothe first anchor plate 106 and bring about a desired tenting angle ofthe first keying module 102.

The retaining and anchoring structural features 114, 126 can include anycombination of complementary structures that, when engaged, maintain theretaining portion 118 of the support plates 110, 112 in a desiredconfiguration. For example, in one embodiment the retaining structuralfeature 114 can include a recess, receptacle, groove, or the like, whilethe anchoring structural feature 126 can include a protrusion, a tab, ahook, or other similar structure that can be removably, captivelyengaged in the retaining structural feature 114. In some embodiments,the anchoring structural features 126 can be fabricated from a differentmaterial than a remaining portion of the support plates 110, 112. Forexample, the anchoring structural features 126 can be fixedly coupled tothe retaining portion 118 and be a separately fabricated or moldedelement that attaches to a metallic retaining portion 118. In suchembodiments, the retaining portion 118 can be made from a stronger morerigid material while the retaining structural features 126 are made froma more formable material, such as plastic, for forming particularengagement features thereon.

As discussed above, the retaining and anchoring structural features 114,126 can be laterally spaced where there is more than one of them.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the retaining and anchoringstructural features 114, 126 can be longer, each extending from towardone end of the anchor plate 106 and retaining portion 118, respectively,to an opposing end thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 there are two anchoringstructural features 126 corresponding to pairs of retaining structuralfeatures 114 spaced along the longitudinal axis 116. In such anembodiment, a recess 130 can be incorporated between the two anchoringstructural features 126 to allow a user to easily lift the first supportplate 110, pivoting it about the first axis 122 and reposition theanchoring structural features 126 in a different set of retainingstructural features 114 to reconfigure the first support plate 110, andtherefore, reposition the first keying module 102.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the first and second keyingmodules 102,104 each includes a proximal end 132 and a distal end 134with respect to a user, and an outer lateral end 136 laterally opposingan inner lateral end 138 with respect to the user. The first and secondkeying modules 102, 104 further include an upper portion 140 and a lowerportion 142, the upper portion 140 being configured to operativelyretain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portion 142 beingconfigured to be positionable adjacent a first portion of a surface ofthe supporting portion 120 of the respective first and second supportplates 110, 112.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the supporting portion 120 of the first andsecond support plates 110, 112, can include first and second end regions144, 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end region 144 ispivotably coupled to the first anchor plate 106, the second end region146 being pivotably coupled to the retaining portion 118. When theanchoring structural feature 126 of the retaining portion 118 is engagedwith the retaining structural feature 114 of the first anchor plate 106,the retaining portion 118 maintains the first support plates 110 at adesired orientation. This orientation can be varied by varying a firstangle a with respect to the first anchor plate 106, and a second angle βwith respect to the supporting portion 120.

In one embodiment, the first and second anchor plates 106, 108 can bemade from a unitary body of material forming an integral anchor plate,the retaining portions 120 of the respective support plates 110, 112engaging retaining structural features 114 formed in different portionsof the integral anchor plate along the longitudinal axis 116.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the adjustable keyboardassembly 100 can include a tethering member 148 extending between andaligning the first and second anchor plates 106, 108 with respect toeach other. The tethering member 148 is configured to be coupled to thefirst and second anchor plates 106, 108, and maintain a desired spacetherebetween. The tethering member 148 can be removably coupled onopposing sides thereof to the respective anchor plates 106, 108 viacomplementary structural features such as one or more tabs orprotrusions formed on the underside of the tethering member 148 and aplurality of sequential receptacles 149 on the upper surface of therespective anchor plates 106, 108. For example, the tethering member 148can include thumb screws to engage corresponding concentric openings inthe anchor plate 106, 108 and firmly attach the tethering member 148.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the anchor plates 106,108 respectively include a base plate 107 and an extendable plate 109configured to be slidably coupled to the base plate 107. The retainingstructural features 114 can be incorporated on both the base plate 107and the extendable plate 109. In FIG. 1, the respective extendableplates 109 are in an extended position. When extended, the plate 109facilitates supporting the corresponding keying module 102, 104 atsmaller tenting angles such as 5 to 50 degrees. For larger tentingangles, such as up to and including 90 degrees, the retaining structuralfeatures 114 in the base plate 107 are used and the extendable plate 109can be retracted as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 2 and6, when retracted, the extendable plate 109 can slide beyond the outerlateral end of the base plate 107 with respect to the user, providingadded support and stability for the outer lateral ends 136 of the firstand second keying modules 102, 104, respectively.

Therefore, the adjustable keyboard assembly 100 can be easily andexpediently adjusted to produce a variety of tenting angles, evendistinct tenting angles for each of the first and second keying modules102, 104, while allowing for separation of the keying modules 102, 104,to suit the user's orientation preferences and improve ergonomics of theadjustable keyboard assembly 100.

In addition to the wide variety of orientations that are made possibleby the adjustable keyboard assembly 100 on a horizontal surface, in someembodiments, the adjustable keyboard assembly 100 can be mounted on avertical support structure 152 as illustrated in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, onlythe first keying module 102 is illustrated for clarity of illustration.The second keying module 104 can be similarly mounted on the opposingside of the vertical structure 152 or on a different vertical structure.For example, the anchor plate 106 can be fastened or otherwise mountedon the vertical structure 152 and the retaining portion 118 of the firstsupport plate 110 can be adjusted so that the anchoring structuralfeatures 126 (FIG. 3) thereof engage corresponding retaining structuralfeatures 114 in the anchor plate 106 to adjust the tenting angle of thekeying module 102. In this manner the spaces under the keying modules102, 104, are available for placing other computer peripherals such as acomputer mouse. Furthermore, such an arrangement can be desirable inapplications where space is limited, such as in laboratories and craftsor vessels, such as a watercraft, aircraft, space craft and militaryvehicles such as tanks.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment, in which an adjustable keyboardassembly 200 includes first and second keying modules similar to thefirst and second keying modules 102, 104, discussed above. For purposesof brevity, one side of the adjustable keyboard assembly 200 will bedescribed for this embodiment in conjunction with one keying module 202.In this embodiment, the tenting angle of the keying module 202 isadjusted using a lift module 254. According to one embodiment, the liftmodule 254 is configured to be fixedly coupled with respect to the lowerportion 242 of the keying module 202 for spacing a portion of the keyingmodule 202, such as a region adjacent the inner lateral end region 238,from a resting surface 239, to form the tenting angle between the lowerportion 242 of the keying module 202 and the resting surface 239.

The lift module 254 includes a coupling portion 256 for fixedly couplingthe lift module 254 to the keying module 202, and first and second limbs258, 260 for spacing and supporting the keying module 202 on the restingsurface 239. The first and second limbs 258, 260 are pivotably coupledto the coupling portion 256 and pivotably coupled with respect to eachother. Accordingly, the orientation of the first and second limbs 258,260 with respect to the coupling portion 256, and with respect to eachother is variable to allow varying the tenting angle of the keyingmodule 202.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first andsecond limbs 258, 260 are coupled along a common pivot axis 262 aboutwhich the first and second limbs 258, 260 can pivot with respect to thecoupling portion 256 and with respect to each other. For example, thefirst and second limbs 258, 260 can be hingedly coupled to one anotheras illustrated in FIG. 9, and hingedly coupled to a plurality of hingesupport structures 264, which in one aspect protrude from an undersideof the coupling portion 256 as shown in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, alockable hinge 241 can be used to further facilitate retention of thelimbs 258, 268, in desired respective positions.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the first and second limbs258, 260 are each pivotably coupled to the coupling portion 256 towardrespective first ends 266 thereof. The first and second limbs 258, 260,each include respective second ends 268, 270, opposed to their first end266. Each of the first and second limbs 258, 260 can include at leastone stabilizing structural feature 272 that forms at least one restingsurface having a shape to complement the resting surface 239. Forexample, the stabilizing structural features 272 can include a flatsurface. The stabilizing structural features 272 can be oriented suchthat their flat surface is substantially parallel to the resting surface239 when the corresponding lift module 254 is oriented to bring about apredetermined tenting angle. The stabilizing structural features 272 canalso be fitted with a resilient pad to further stabilize the keyingmodule 202 against lateral movement. The stabilizing structural features272 can be formed between the first and second ends 266, 268, 270 of thefirst and second limbs 258, 260, respectively, or toward one of the ends266, 268, 270, for flexibility in achieving a wider variety of tentingangles, catering to users' preferences, as described below.

For example, in the orientation shown in FIG. 8, the first limb 258 isshorter than the second limb 260 and substantially upright while thesecond limb 260 extends outwardly at an angle to produce a desiredtenting angle, such as approximately 10 degrees with respect to theresting surface 239. Two respective stabilizing structural features 272rest on the surface to stabilize the lifting module 254 in the shownorientation. In FIG. 11, the lift module 254 is rotated until one of thestabilizing structural features 272 of the longer second limb 260 restson the resting surface 239. One of the stabilizing structural features272 of the first limb 258 can in one aspect rest against the lowerportion 242 of the keying module. In this configuration, a largertenting angle than that shown in FIG. 8 can be achieved, for example40-80 degrees.

To achieve a smaller tenting angle, the first and second limbs 258, 260can be pivoted with respect to each other after releasing the lockablehinge to increase the angle therebetween or position them such that theangle between them is substantially 180 degrees. For example, FIG. 12illustrates the first and second limbs 258, 260 extending along asubstantially common plane. Furthermore, the stabilizing structuralfeature 272 positioned between the first and second ends 266, 268 of thefirst limb 258 is larger than the stabilizing structural feature 272toward the second end 270 of the second limb 260, resulting in anothertenting angle, smaller than the one shown in FIG. 8, for example,approximately 5 degrees. As the illustrated embodiments demonstrate, thestabilizing structural features 272 can be positioned on either or bothsides of the first and second limbs 258, 260 to stabilize the limbs 258,260 on the resting surface 239 at a variety of angles when the limbs258, 260 are rotated about the pivot axis 262 (FIG. 9) with respect tothe coupling portion 256 and/or with respect to each other.

Other configurations of the stabilizing structural features 272 andlocations on the first and second limbs 258, 260, that can be used toorient the first and second limbs 258, 260 in different positions arecontemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.Furthermore, in other embodiments, more than two limbs can beincorporated to further add to the flexibility of modifying thepositioning or tenting configuration of the keying modules.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the coupling portion 256.According to one aspect, the coupling portion 256 includes opposingcoupling members 274, 276 that are configured to be removably engaged tothe lower portion 242 or other portion of the keying module 202 (FIG.8). For example, the coupling members 274, 276 can include receptacles,hooks, or the like that are elastically deformable or resilient, to snapinto place about a complementary structure on the lower portion 242 ofthe keying module 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the couplingmembers 274, 276 can receive the lower portion 242 of the keying module202 on proximal and distal ends thereof with respect to the user withoutformation of complementary features on the keying module 202. Forexample, the distance between the coupling members 274, 276 can be lessthan a lateral dimension of the keying module 202 such that the couplingmembers 274, 276 elastically or resiliently expand to receive the lowerportion 242 and tend to retract back to their original position tosecure the lower portion or other portion of the keying module 202therebetween. In such embodiments, the lifting modules 254 can be usedwith existing split keyboards.

As discussed earlier, conventional computer keyboard accessories, suchas mountable support structures, have not adequately addressed userneeds. In particular, conventional mountable support structurestypically suffer from drawbacks such as either requiring computerperipherals, such as a computer mouse, to be permanently built in thekeyboard or in cases where a tray has been provided, the peripheralstend to frequently fall over the edges of the tray due to slipping offor being bumped off by the user's hands or arms during movementsassociated with typing, particularly where the keyboard is tilted ortented in the case of split keyboards. Furthermore, conventional designsare limited in flexibility with respect to reconfiguring the size of thesupport mount and typically require distinct supports for right and leftsplit keyboards.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a keyboard assembly 300 thatincludes first and second keying modules 302, 304 and first and secondadaptor plates 380, 382 fixedly coupled to respective lower portions 342of the first and second keying modules 302, 304. The keyboard assembly300 further includes first and second universal mount modules 384, 386,and at least one peripheral support member 388. In one aspect, the firstand second universal mount modules 384, 386 include an upper surface anda lower surface, the universal mount modules 384, 386 being removablycoupled to the first and second adaptor plates 380, 382, respectively, astructure mount portion 381 of the first and second adaptor plates 380,382 being configured to be removably coupled to a structure, such as anarm 390 of a chair 391 (FIG. 15A).

The respective structure mount portions 381 include a protuberance 383configured to facilitate coupling of the keyboard assembly 300 to thechair 390. The structure mount portions 381 extend beyond an edge of thecorresponding universal mount modules 384, 386. In this manner, once adesired configuration of the universal mount modules 384, 386 isassembled and coupled to the adaptor plates 380, 382, the entirekeyboard assembly 300 can be easily mounted to the chair 391. At leastone of the first and second universal mount modules 384, 386 extendslongitudinally beyond the inner and/or outer lateral ends 336, 338 ofthe corresponding keying module 302, 304, forming at least oneperipheral extension 392. The universal mount modules 384, 386 caninclude one or more modular supports 389, each having a symmetricmodular design with one or more symmetric fastening patterns 385, 387including a plurality of fastening elements. These fastening patterns385, 387 allow each of the modular supports 389 or universal mountmodules 384, 386 to be used for mounting either side of a splitkeyboard, for example, the first or second keying modules 302, 304 inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 14.

These same fastener patterns 385, 387 can be used to couple more thanone universal mount module 384, 386 of the same or varying dimensions toadjust or vary the size and configuration of the universal mount modules384, 386. In some embodiments, the peripheral extensions 392 areportions of overlapped modular supports 389. The at least one peripheralextension 392 is configured to be coupled to the at least one peripheralsupport member 388.

FIG. 15A illustrates a top view of the adjustable keyboard assembly 300according to one embodiment, in the mounted configuration. In someembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, the keyboard assembly 300 ispivotably mounted, and the user can pivot the modules 384, 386 away fromthe chair 391 so that the user can enter or leave a seat 396 of thechair 391 or to adjust tenting or splaying angles of the first and/orsecond keying modules 302, 304. For example, the keyboard assembly 300can be pivotably mounted using a clamp and rod assembly.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15A, the particular computerperipherals supported include a number keypad 398 on a peripheralsupport member 388 coupled to the peripheral extension 392 of the firststructure mount module 384, and a computer mouse 301 on the peripheralsupport member 388 coupled to the peripheral extension 392 of the secondstructure mount module 386. The peripheral support members 388 andperipheral extensions 392 are visible in FIG. 14. In some embodiments,the modular supports 389 are substantially unitary rigid structures suchthat when the claim and rod assembly shown in FIG. 15B is pivoted aboutan axis, such as a horizontal and/or vertical axis, the entirecorresponding keying module 302, 304 along with the peripheral extension392 is tented or splayed.

In some embodiments, the peripheral extensions 392 can be hingedlycoupled to the first and second universal mount modules 384, 386,respectively, using a lockable hinge that accommodates locking the hingeat multiple angles between the peripheral extension 392 and the firstand second universal mount modules 384, 386, respectively. In such anembodiment the portions of the first and second universal mount modules384, 386 supporting the keying modules 302, 304, respectively, can bepivoted with respect to the corresponding peripheral extension 392 toallow the user to enter or exit the seat 396.

The modular supports 389 can also include symmetric fastening patterns393, 395 on opposing ends thereof toward regions that form theperipheral extensions 392. The fastening patterns 393, 395 areconfigured to couple the corresponding modular supports 389 toperipheral support members 388 of varying sizes, making it easy andexpedient to switch between different size peripheral support members388 for supporting peripherals that require various sizes, at differenttimes.

As illustrated in FIG. 15A, in one aspect, the peripheral extensions 392include a lip structure 303 extending about and removably or permanentlyattached to the perimeter of the peripheral extensions 392. The lipstructure 303 can be fabricated from one piece or multiple pieces.Furthermore, the lip structure 303 is fabricated from a material thathas frictional qualities to prevent the computer peripherals 301, 398from slipping or falling from an edge of the peripheral extensions 392,particularly if the peripheral extensions 392 are tilted for ergonomicreasons. For example, the lip structure 303 can be fabricated fromrubber, silicone, or the like. In some embodiments, the lip structure303 may include a surface texture that has the desired frictionalqualities, such as an uneven or jagged surface or a surface with smallsize hooks or loops.

To prevent the lip structure 303 from interfering with the user's palm,it is preferred to minimize the size of the lip structure 303. However,it is also preferred to maximize the size of the lip structure 303 toprevent a rolling computer peripheral, such as the mouse 301, fromrolling over the lip structure 303 after having gained momentum. It hasbeen found that balancing these two conflicting design needs, a lipstructure 303, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B that has an ellipticalcross-sectional shape 305 or a tear drop cross-sectional shape 307, witha width W ranging between 0.25 inch and 0.5 inch prevents interferencewith the user's palm while also preventing a rolling computer peripheralthat has gained momentum from falling of the edge of the peripheralextensions 392.

Although the illustrated embodiments are directed to providing astructure mountable keyboard assembly for two keying modules, one of thefirst or second structure mount modules can be sized and used toaccommodate a one piece full-size keyboard. Furthermore, the adaptorplates can be eliminated or an integral part of the keying modules insome embodiments and the protuberance and fastening patterns that couplethe keyboard to the universal mount modules can be incorporated directlyin the lower portion of the keying modules such that the keying modulescan directly couple to the universal mount modules.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable keyboard assembly400 including a first keying module 402 and a second keying module 404.The first and second keying modules 402, 404 include first and secondlatching systems 409, 411, respectively. The following descriptiondiscusses the relationship between the latching system 409 of the firstkeying module 402 and components of a tethering module 413 (FIG. 19A)that facilitates tethering of the keying modules 402, 404 and tentingand pivoting or splaying of the keying modules 402, 404 with respect toeach other. Substantially the same and oppositely situated configurationapplies to the second keying module 404, and therefore, the latter isnot elaborated for purposes of brevity.

The keying module 402 includes a proximal end 432 and a distal end 434,an outer lateral end 436 opposing an inner lateral end 438 with respectto the user, an upper portion 440 and a lower portion 442. Asillustrated in FIG. 17, the latching system 409 includes a slide button415.

FIG. 18 illustrates an underside of the lower portion 442. In oneembodiment, the lower portion 442 includes a tether opening 417 sized toreceive a tethering member 419 (FIG. 19B). In one aspect, as illustratedin FIG. 19B, the tethering member 419 includes a shaft portion 421 and aseat portion 423. In previous designs, such as certain embodiments ofthe co-pending application Ser. No. 11/788,773, the manufacturing ofsimilar components had narrow dimensional tolerances so that thelatching mechanism would snugly fit about the shaft of the tetheringmember sufficiently to securely tether the two keying modules. However,if the latch was fit too tight about the tethering member, separatingthe corresponding keying module would become difficult and posed therisk of breakage if excessive force was applied. This results in highcost of manufacturing, and less than optimal usability.

As illustrated in FIG. 19A, in one embodiment, the tether module 413includes a coupling assembly 463 allowing the tether members 419 topivot with respect to each other about the common axis 465. The couplingassembly 463 may include structure that maintains the tether members 419within a particular distance range with respect to each other whileallowing them to pivot about a common axis 465.

Based on the foregoing, the user can achieve a range of splay angles A(i.e., angle formed between the inner lateral ends 438 of the first andsecond keying modules 402, 404 as shown in FIG. 17) and tenting angles(i.e., the angle at which the base of the keyboard is inclined withrespect to the support surface) very easily while the manufacturing andassembly of the components that permit such use are also efficient andcost effective. The coupling assembly 463 can include flexible joiningmembers 467, which can be fabricated from a resilient material thatallows flexing of the joining members 467 to permit tenting of thekeying modules 402, 404 when coupled to the tether module 413.

Suitable material for joining members 467 include material allowing thetether members 419 to both rotate (splay) and flex moderately (e.g., toallow tenting of keying modules at least up to and beyond 15 degreeselevated from horizontal ), while at the same time providing adequatestrength and rigidity such that the two tethered keying modules 402, 404may be picked up by holding just one keying module without the othermodule excessively sagging or causing the joining member 467 or tethermember 419 to break or release from either keying module. The flexiblejoining members 467 are preferably produced from a material such as POMplastic which is injection moldable and which can flex slightly manytimes without breaking.

The tether member 419 of the present disclosure is configured to allowless strict dimensional tolerances and reduce the manufacturing cost andimprove ease of assembly and use of the latching system 409. Theimprovements surprisingly solve potential shortcomings of previousdesigns. The improved latching system 409 and tethering module 413provide users with significantly easier engagement to achieve tethering,very secure tethering with a failsafe design to release before breakingabove a threshold force applied to the keying modules 402, 404, and mucheasier separation of the keying modules 402, 404 from the respectivetether members 419 by the user when an un-tethered configuration isdesired.

FIG. 20 illustrates the underside of the keying module 402 with thebottom panel removed to expose an internal portion 425 of the latchingsystem 409 (FIG. 17). According to one embodiment, the slide button 415is fixedly coupled to or integrated with an internal sliding member 427,which in turn is moved as the user moves the slide button 415 on theupper portion 440 of the keying module 402 or as the internal slidingmember 427 is forced to move by the tether member 419 as will bedescribed below.

The internal sliding member 427 engages a biasing element 429 toward afirst end of the internal sliding member 427. The biasing element 429 ismore clearly illustrated in FIG. 21 in which the internal sliding member427 is removed for clarity of illustration. In one embodiment thebiasing member 429 is a coil spring. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 20, theslide button 415 is in a first rest position before being actuated. Theinternal sliding member 427 is coupled to the latch 431 toward a secondend thereof, for example, by being rotatably coupled to a pin 471 (FIG.22) to pivot the latch 431 about pivot pins 469 (FIG. 22). In oneembodiment, at least a portion of the latch 431 obstructs at least aportion of the opening 417. During or after actuation, the slide button415 moves toward a second position. Movement of the slide button towardthe second position compresses the biasing element 429 building abiasing potential therein. In addition, the latch 431 moves away fromthe opening 417, which in the unobstructed state can receive or releasethe shaft portion 421 of the tether member 419 (FIG. 19B). Releasing theslide button 415 releases the biasing potential and returns the internalsliding member 427 and latch 431 to a released position.

FIGS. 22 illustrate the latch 431 according to one embodiment. The latch431 includes a latch coupling region 433 formed at an intersection of atleast two sides 435, 437 of the latch 431. In one aspect, pivot pins 469are configured to be coupled to corresponding bosses or other receivingstructure in the enclosure of the respective keying modules 402, 404 sothat it can bear significant rotational force without being twisted offits rotational axis.

In one aspect, the latch coupling region 433 includes a wedge formedfrom the two sides 435, 437 proximate an area where the two sides 435,437 intersect. At least one of the two sides 435, 437 is tapered to formthe wedge as discussed in more detail further below. The wedge has asubstantially linear boundary as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. Thelatch coupling region 433 is configured to be engaged with a portion ofthe tether member 419 to securely couple the keying module 402 to thetether member 419 as elaborated below.

As illustrated in FIG. 19B, the shaft 421 of the tether member 419includes a cylindrical projection 439 elongated about a shaft axis 441and a complementary coupling portion 443. The complementary couplingportion 443 has a shape generally complementary to a shape of the latchcoupling region 433 to be fixedly engaged therewith when the cylindricalprojection 439 penetrates the opening 417 in the lower portion of thekeying module 401 (FIG. 18), and when the slide button 415 and theinternal sliding portion 427 (FIG. 20) are released.

In one embodiment, the latch coupling region 433 and the complementarycoupling portion 443 include a coupling axis 445 that can beperpendicular to the shaft axis 441 when they are engaged. Thecomplementary coupling portion 443 includes structural features formedin or on the cylindrical projection 439. For example, the cylindricalprojection 439 can include a tip portion 447 adjacent an intermediateportion 449. In one embodiment, the tip and intermediate portions 447,449 are positioned adjacent each other along the shaft axis 441. Atleast one circumferential region 451 in the tip portion 447 has adifferent diameter than a diameter of a circumferential region 453 inthe intermediate portion 449. The two circumferential regions 451, 453are positioned at least in part adjacent one another. The complementarycoupling portion 443 is formed between the two circumferential regions451, 453.

In one embodiment, the circumferential region 451 of the tip portion 447has a larger diameter than a reduced diameter of the circumferentialregion 453 of the intermediate portion 449. Accordingly, as shown in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 19B, a ceiling 455 is formed between thecircumferential regions 451, 453 of the tip and intermediate portions447, 449, respectively. In some embodiments, the complementary couplingportion 443 includes at least in part a portion of the ceiling 455 and aportion of the intermediate portion 449 in the circumferential region453 thereof.

In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 449 includes at leastfirst and second circumferential regions 453, 457. The firstcircumferential region 453 has the reduced diameter, which is alsosmaller than the diameter of the second circumferential region 457,forming walls 461 between the first and second circumferential regions453, 457. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling 455 terminates,toward a first end thereof, at an intersection between the ceiling 455and first circumferential region of 453. The first circumferentialregion 453 can include a tapered surface 459 extending from betweenaxial terminal ends of the intermediate portion 449 toward a terminalend of the intermediate portion 449 where it meets the ceiling 455. Thetapered surface 459 improves the coupling strength between the latch 431and the shaft 421 while at the same time not increasing or reducing theforces required for decoupling the latch 431 from the shaft 421 andremoving the tether module 413 from the keying modules 402, 404.

Referring to FIGS. 19B and 22-24, as the latch 431 is released, thelatch coupling portion 433 approaches the complementary coupling portion443 formed in the shaft 421 of the tether member 419. FIG. 25 shows thelatch 431 and shaft 421 in the engaged configuration. In the illustratedembodiment, the ceiling 455 and tapered surface 459 of the complementarycoupling portion 443 lockingly engage the surfaces formed by the wedge,which in turn is formed by the adjacent sides 435, 437 of the latch 431.The latch coupling portion 433 and the complementary coupling portion443 on the shaft 421 engage along a plurality of surfaces tosufficiently secure the tether member 419 to the latch 431, and thus tothe keying module 402.

As shown in FIG. 25, one of the sides 437 of the latch 431, in which aportion of the latch coupling region 433 is formed, is tapered atgenerally a complementary taper angle, with respect to the shaft axis441, to the taper angle of the tapered surface 459 of the complementarycoupling portion 443 of the tether member 419 with respect to the shaftaxis 441. In this manner, these two surfaces facilitate a better fitbetween the latch coupling region 433 and the complementary couplingportion 443.

Therefore, the dimensional tolerances of the shaft 421 and the latch 431need not be as strict as previous designs where a cylindrical surface ofa pin would be engaged by a curvilinear feature formed in the latch. Inthis previous design, the mating portions required extremely accuratedimensions to prevent unwanted movement of the pin with respect to thekeyboard. Furthermore, the tether opening in the keyboard would also besized to tightly fit about the pins. In contrast, the tether member 419and the keying modules 402, 404 according to the present disclosure canbe tightly secured together without requiring a tight fit of the shaft439 into the tether openings 417, improving removal of the tether module413 from the keying modules 402, 404.

FIG. 26 illustrates a keyboard layout 500 according to one embodiment,which can be incorporated in the keying modules 102,104, 202, 204, 302,304, 402, 404. The keyboard layout 500 can include a key pattern 502having a plurality of driverless hot keys 504 that can be used toactivate their corresponding functions when connected to a computerwithout installation of any drivers. Typically, driverless hot keys areprogrammed by the operating system manufacturer and require pressingmultiple keys to activate commonly used function such as cutting,copying and pasting. Existing keyboards that include one touch hot keystypically incorporate these keys as extra buttons peripherally beyondthe normal array of keys on the keyboard, which consumes excess spaceand requires installation of drivers to enable their functions whilerequiring hand motions that are difficult to remember and which requirelong reaches and awkward positions to access. The following discussionis directed to programming and a particular layout of hot keys that aredriverless and strategically positioned to facilitate efficient andintuitive activation thereof.

It has been found that positioning the hot keys 504 laterally adjacentstandard keys 506 of at least one keying module such that they aregenerally aligned with a plurality of rows that include the standardkeys 506 improves efficiency of activating their function by making iteasy to remember and access their positions. For example, a typicaltyping position of the user's hands can be maintained while one fingeraccesses the hot keys 504. In contrast, in conventional keyboard layoutsat least one of the user's hands needs to leave its standard typingposition to use more than two fingers to activate more than one hot keyor to reach a hot key that is positioned in a non-aligned location withrespect to the standard keys.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 26, user adaptability andefficiency have been particularly improved when ten hot keys 504 arearranged adjacent the standard keys 506 toward an outer lateral sidethereof with respect to the user. These hot keys 504 are arranged infive rows of two keys each, the first row including a WEB BACKWARD key508 and a WEB FORWARD key 510, the second row including a BEGINNING OFLINE key 512 and an END OF LINE key 514, the third row including a CUTkey 516 and an UNDO key 518, the fourth row including a COPY key 520 anda SELECT ALL key 522, and the fifth row including a PASTE key 524 and aFUNCTION key 526. The FUNCTION key 526, which typically activatesembedded or alternate key actions usually located on the right side inexisting keyboard layouts, may be positioned with these hot keys 526when the keyboard is a split keyboard. This allows accessing right-sideembedded keys without requiring the awkward posture of holding both theFunction key and another key simultaneously with the same hand. Theillustrated embodiment shows the described embodiment and is directed toan Apple® computer operating system, such as the OSX Leopard.

FIG. 27 illustrates one embodiment of a programmable peripheral device602, such as a programmable keying module, having an onboard memory chip604 and a USB on-the-go port (USB OTG) 606. USB OTG technology is arecent development developed for mobile devices to alleviate the needfor having to use separate computers such as workstations or laptops tocommunicate between the mobile devices and other devices. For example,through use of USB OTG technology, cameras can communicate directly withprinters and cell phones with mp3 players. The USB OTG technologyaccomplishes direct communication between USB devices and USBperipherals or other USB devices by adding host functionality toalleviate the requirement of having a separate computer as a host. Sincecomputer peripherals such as keyboards are typically associated withcommunicating with computers and the USB OTG technology has beenprimarily directed to communication between USB devices and eliminationof the computer, the USB OTG technology has not been explored for usingwith computer peripherals such as computer keyboards, computer mouse,foot pedals, controllers, such as videogame controllers and the like.

The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27 and the discussion that followsare directed to a keying module 602 as an example of the peripheraldevice to demonstrate the present embodiment. A similar configurationcan be used to program other computer peripherals, which arecontemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The programmable keying module 602 is operatively coupled to or housesthe memory chip 604 and USB OTG port 606, to allow programming thekeying module 602 and keys thereof and enable creation of driverless hotkeys such as those discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 26. Forexample, when a USB device 608 is connected to the USB OTG port 606, itis not reported to and enumerated by the host computer; rather it isrecognized by the programmable keying module 602. Accordingly, a USBkeyboard can be coupled to the programmable keying module 602 forcommunicating particular programmable functions and assign them to hotkeys. For example, typically the CTRL key on conventional keyboards andthe “C” alphabet key are simultaneously pressed to copy a particularselected item or portion of a document.

The memory chip 604 can be configured so that when the USB device 608 isconnected, pressing a particular key on the programmable keying module602 prepares assigning a function associated with keys pressed on theUSB device 608. In the foregoing example, once another keyboard isconnected to the USB OTG port 606, pressing any one key on theprogrammable keying module 602 and then pressing CTRL and “C”simultaneously assigns the copy function to the one key on theprogrammable keying module 602. The memory chip 604 can be configured toend the programming session for the one key upon repressing it, afterwhich another key can be programmed. A similar programming methodologycan be applied with other USB devices, such as a mouse or a controller,where functions of the mouse buttons or controller features can beassigned to desired keys of the programmable keying module 602.

As discussed earlier, the keying module 602 is provided as an example ofa programmable peripheral device. Such a device can also include acomputer mouse or foot pedal or controller, each having a USB OTG portand a memory chip. The memory chip can include EEPROM chips. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a peripheral device asdescribed provides substantial benefits over existing unintelligentperipheral devices by allowing users to program their peripheral devicesaccording to their preferences with respect to assigning hot keys. Uponconnection to the computer via wire or wireless methods, the storedactions or functions can be conveyed to the computer. The keyboardfunctions can be erased or reset using the computer. Alternatively,particular keys can be programmed to provide control actions, such asresetting or erasing programmed key functions.

In addition, upon programming such peripheral devices, the user does notneed to install drivers for recognizing functions associated with thekeys, allowing the user to use the peripheral device with othercomputers.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet areincorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of theembodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of thevarious patents, applications and publications to provide yet furtherembodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. An adjustable keyboard assembly for tenting first and second keyingmodules, the assembly comprising: first and second anchor plates, eachgraduated with successive retaining structural features; a first supportplate having a supporting portion and a retaining portion, thesupporting portion configured to be coupled to the first keying moduleand pivotably mounted to the first anchor plate to pivot about at leastone axis with respect to the first anchor plate, the retaining portionbeing coupled to the supporting portion and pivotably mounted to pivotabout at least two axes with respect to the first anchor plate, theretaining portion having an anchoring structural feature configured tobe removably engaged with the respective retaining structural featuresof the first anchor plate to vary and maintain a desired orientation ofthe first keying module; and a second support plate having a supportingportion and a retaining portion, the supporting portion configured to becoupled to the second keying module and pivotably mounted to the secondanchor plate to pivot about at least one axis with respect to the secondanchor plate, the retaining portion being coupled to the supportingportion and pivotably mounted to pivot about at least two axes withrespect to the second anchor plate, the retaining portion having ananchoring structural feature configured to be removably engaged with therespective retaining structural features of the second anchor plate tovary and maintain a desired orientation of the second keying module. 2.The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a firstkeying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respect to auser, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateral end, anupper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portionbeing configured to be positionable adjacent a first portion of an uppersurface of the supporting portion of the first support plate; and asecond keying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respectto the user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateralend, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion beingconfigured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and thelower portion being configured to be positionable adjacent a secondportion of an upper surface of the supporting portion of the secondsupport plate.
 3. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 1 whereinthe supporting portion of the first and second support plates eachincludes first and second end regions, the first end region beingpivotably coupled to the respective corresponding anchor plates, thesecond end region being pivotably coupled to the first end region of theretaining portion wherein when the anchoring structural feature of theretaining portion is removably engaged with the retaining structuralfeature of the first anchor, the retaining portion maintains the firstand second support plates in a desired configuration and fixes thesupporting portion at a first angle with respect to the first and secondanchor plates, respectively, and the retaining portion at a second anglewith respect to the supporting portion.
 4. The adjustable keyboardassembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second anchor plates eachinclude a base plate and an extendable plate slidably coupled to thebase plate, the retaining structural features being formed on both thebase plate and extendable plate, the retaining structural features ofthe base plate being configured to support the first and second keyingmodules at a first range of tenting angles, and the extendable platesbeing configured to extend laterally from the base plate, the retainingstructural features of the extendable plate being configured to supportthe first and second keying modules at a second range of tenting angles.5. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 4 wherein the extendableplates are extendable beyond an outer lateral end of the base plate toprovide support for the outer lateral end of the corresponding first orsecond keying module.
 6. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a tethering member extending between the first andsecond anchor plates with respect to each other, the tethering memberconfigured to be coupled to the first and second anchor plates to alignthem and maintain a desired space therebetween.
 7. The adjustablekeyboard assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second anchor platesare formed from a unitary body of material.
 8. An adjustable keyboardassembly for adjusting an orientation of first and second keyingmodules, the assembly comprising: a first lift module configured to befixedly coupled with respect to a lower portion of the first keyingmodule for spacing a portion of the first keying module from a restingsurface and configured to fix the first keying module at a variety oftenting angles between the lower portion of the first keying module andthe resting surface, the first lift module including a coupling portionand at least first and second limbs, each limb being pivotably coupledwith respect to the coupling portion and pivotably coupled with respectto each of the other limbs, the orientation of the first and secondlimbs with respect to the coupling portion and with respect to eachother being variable to allow for varying of the tenting angle of thefirst keying module; and a second lift module configured to be fixedlycoupled with respect to the lower portion of the second keying modulefor spacing a portion of the second keying module from a resting surfaceand configured to fix the second keying module at a variety of tentingangles between the lower portion of the second keying module and theresting surface, the second lift module including a coupling portion andat least first and second limbs, each limb being pivotably coupled withrespect to the coupling portion and pivotably coupled with respect toeach of the other limbs, the orientation of the first and second limbswith respect to the coupling portion and with respect to each otherbeing variable to allow for varying of the tenting angle of the secondkeying module.
 9. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 8, furthercomprising: a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal endwith respect to a user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateralend, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion beingconfigured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the firstkeying module being removably coupled to the coupling portion of thefirst lift module; and a second keying module having a proximal end anda distal end with respect to the user, an outer lateral end opposing aninner lateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upperportion being configured to operatively retain a plurality of keysthereon, the second keying module being removably coupled to thecoupling portion of the second lift module.
 10. The adjustable keyboardassembly of claim 8 wherein the first and second limbs are coupled alonga common pivot axis about which they are pivotable with respect to thecoupling portion and with respect to each other.
 11. The adjustablekeyboard assembly of claim 8 wherein the first and second limbs eachinclude a first end and are pivotably coupled to the coupling portiontoward the respective first ends, each of the first and second limbsincluding at least one structural feature that forms at least onecomplementary surface to the resting surface, the structural featurebeing oriented such that the complementary surface rests against theresting surface when the corresponding lift module is oriented toachieve a desired tenting angle.
 12. The adjustable keyboard assembly ofclaim 11 wherein the first and second limbs each include more than onestructural feature forming respective complementary surfaces, onopposing sides of each of the first and second limbs.
 13. The adjustablekeyboard assembly of claim 12 wherein the first and second limbs eachinclude a second end, opposed to the first end, the respectivestructural features being positioned toward the second end and having atleast one flat surface configured to extend parallel to a restingsurface when the corresponding lift module is oriented to achieve adesired tenting angle.
 14. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 8wherein the first and second lift modules are reconfigurable between atleast first and second states, in the first state, both the first andsecond limbs having a portion resting on the resting surface, to achievea first range of tenting angles, and in the second state, one of thefirst and second limbs having a portion resting on the resting surfaceto achieve a second range of tenting angles while the other of the firstand second limbs is spaced from the resting surface.
 15. An adjustablekeyboard assembly, comprising: a first keying module having a proximalend and a distal end with respect to a user, an outer lateral endopposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, theupper portion being configured to operatively retain a plurality of keysthereon, the lower portion having an adaptor plate including a pluralityof fastening elements forming a first pattern and a protuberance rigidlyattached thereto and configured to be coupled to an external structure;and a universal mount module including a plurality of modular mountingmembers each having a plurality of fastening elements forming the firstpattern such that each universal mounting member can be coupled to atleast one of another universal mounting member and to the adaptor plateof the first keying module to permit a user to mount the first keyingmodule to the external structure and form at least one peripheralextension from one of the modular mounting members extending beyond atleast one end of the first keying module to support a peripheral device.16. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 15, further comprising: asecond keying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respectto the user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, anupper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the lower portion havingan adaptor plate including a plurality of fastening elements forming thefirst pattern and a protuberance rigidly attached thereto and configuredto be coupled to an external structure.
 17. The adjustable keyboardassembly of claim 15, further comprising: a lip extending about aperiphery of the peripheral extension, the lip being raised beyond theupper surface of the peripheral extension and fabricated from a materialhaving frictional properties.
 18. The adjustable keyboard assembly ofclaim 17 wherein the material of lip is rubber.
 19. The adjustablekeyboard assembly of claim 15 wherein the protuberance is configured tobe rotatably coupled to the external structure.
 20. The adjustablekeyboard assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a chair having atleast one support structure configured to be coupled to theprotuberance.
 21. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 15, furthercomprising: at least one peripheral support plate removably coupled tothe peripheral extension for supporting the peripheral device thereonwherein the modular mounting members include a second fastening patternformed toward opposing ends thereof in regions that form the peripheralextensions, the second fastening pattern configured to couple thecorresponding modular mounting member to peripheral support plates ofvarying sizes at different times.
 22. An adjustable keyboard assembly,comprising: a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal endwith respect to a user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateralend, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion beingconfigured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the firstkeying module including a first latching system including a first slidebutton fixedly coupled to a first latch to move therewith between afirst position and a second position, the first latch having a latchcoupling structure formed on at least one surface thereof; a secondkeying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respect to theuser, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon, the second keying modulehaving a second latching system including a second slide button fixedlycoupled to a second latch to move therewith between a first position anda second position, the second latch having a latch coupling structureformed on at least one surface thereof; and a tethering module includingfirst and second tether members movably coupled to each other, the firsttether member being coupled to the first keying module and the secondtether member being coupled to the second keying module, allowing thefirst and second keying modules to move with respect to each other, eachof the first and second tether members having a cylindrical projectionelongated about an axis and including a complementary coupling structureformed in the cylindrical projection including a wedge shaped recess inthe cylindrical projection having circumferential terminal ends and atleast two surfaces including a first tapered surface tapered at a firstangle with respect to the axis, the latch coupling region including awedge shape formed by at least two surfaces thereof proximate a cornerof the latch, the coupling region having a second tapered surfacetapered at a second angle with respect to the axis complementary to thefirst angle such that when the latch and complementary couplingstructures are engaged, at least a portion of the first and secondtapered surfaces mate.
 23. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 22wherein the cylindrical projection includes a tip portion and anintermediate portion adjacent the tip portion along the axis of thecylindrical projection, at least one circumferential region of the tipportion having a larger diameter than a diameter of at least onecircumferential region of the intermediate portion, the complementarycoupling structure being formed between the two circumferential regions.24. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim 23 wherein thecircumferential region of the tip portion has a larger diameter than areduced diameter of the circumferential region of the second axialportion, forming a ceiling therebetween, the complementary couplingstructure including at least in part a portion of the ceiling.
 25. Theadjustable keyboard of claim 23 wherein the intermediate portionincludes at least first and second circumferential regions, the firstcircumferential region having a larger diameter than the secondcircumferential region, two walls being formed on terminalcircumferential ends of the first circumferential region, the ceilingextending between the two walls.
 26. The adjustable keyboard of claim 22wherein the first and second tethering modules are selectively removablycoupled to the first and second keying modules, respectively, withoutrequiring a tool.
 27. The adjustable keyboard of claim 22 wherein thelower portion of the first and second keying modules include first andsecond tether openings respectively, to removably receive and be coupledto the cylindrical projections of the first and second tether members,respectively.
 28. The adjustable keyboard of claim 22 wherein the firstslide button is coupled to a first biasing member and the second slidebutton is coupled to a second biasing member, the latch couplingstructure of the first and second latches partially obstructing thetether openings toward an interior side of the corresponding tetheropening, movement of the first and second slide buttons from the firstposition to the second position compressing the biasing member andmoving the latch to unobstruct the tether opening and allow removal ofthe respective tip portions of the tether members, releasing the slidebutton expanding the biasing member, returning the latch to a releasedposition and engaging the latch and complementary coupling structures.29. The adjustable keyboard of claim 28 wherein the released position isbetween the first and second positions, the biasing member retaining aportion of the biasing potential to bias the latch coupling structureagainst the complementary coupling structure.
 30. The adjustablekeyboard of claim 28 wherein the tip portion of each of the first andsecond tether members is tapered and converges toward an insertion endthereof to exert a gradually increasing force on the portion of thecorresponding latch obstructing the tether opening when penetrating thecorresponding tether opening, to move the latch to the second positionwithout manual actuation of the respective slide buttons.
 31. Theadjustable keyboard of claim 22 wherein the first and second tethermembers are pivotably coupled to each other.
 32. A computer keyboardlayout, comprising: a plurality of driverless hot keys programmed withdistinct functions arranged adjacent a plurality of standard keys towardan outer lateral end of the keyboard layout, the plurality of standardkeys being substantially laterally aligned with the plurality ofstandard keys.
 33. The computer keyboard layout of claim 32 wherein theplurality of driverless hot keys are arranged in five rows substantiallylaterally aligned with respect to five rows of the standard keys. 34.The computer layout of claim 33 wherein each row of driverless hot keysincludes two driverless hot keys respectively including from the firstrow to the fifth row, a WEB BACK key, a WEB FORWARD key, a BEGINNING OFTHE LINE key, an END OF THE LINE key, a CUT key, an UNDO key, a COPYkey, a SELECT ALL key, a PASTE key, and a FUNCTION key.
 35. A computerperipheral assembly, comprising: a computer peripheral device; a USB OTGport; a memory chip in electronic communication with the USB OTG port; aplurality of activation keys or buttons, the USB OTG port beingconfigured to be electronically coupled to an external USB device andenable the computer peripheral device to act as a host device to theexternal USB device, thereby permitting programming at least one of theactivation keys or buttons with functions associated with particularfeatures of the external USB device wherein the USB OTG portcommunicates with the memory chip to store the programmed and assignedfunctions.
 36. The computer peripheral assembly of claim 35 wherein thecomputer peripheral device is selected from a group consisting of acomputer keyboard, a computer mouse, a foot pedal and a controllerdevice.
 37. A method of programming and assigning desired functions tocontrol features of a computer peripheral device, respectively, thecomputer peripheral device including a USB OTG port; a memory chip inelectronic communication with the USB OTG port; a plurality ofactivation keys or buttons, the USB OTG port being configured to beelectronically coupled to an external USB device and enable the computerperipheral device to act as a host device to the external USB device,the method comprising: electronically coupling the USB OTG port to theexternal USB device; identifying at least one of the control features ofthe computer peripheral; activating control feature or features of theexternal USB device associated with the desired function; and ending theprogramming session.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein the identifyingstep includes prompting the at least one control feature, the activatingstep includes prompting the control feature or features of the externalUSB device, and the ending step includes reprompting the at least onecontrol feature of the computer peripheral.
 39. A tethering moduleconfigured to pivotably mount first and second keying modules,comprising: first and second tether members pivotably coupled to eachother, the first tether member being coupleable to the first keyingmodule and the second tether member being coupleable to the secondkeying module, allowing the first and second keying modules to pivotwith respect to each other, each of the first and second tether membershaving a cylindrical projection elongated about an axis and including acomplementary coupling structure formed in the cylindrical projectionincluding a wedge shaped recess in the cylindrical projection havingcircumferential terminal ends and at least two surfaces including afirst tapered surface tapered at a first angle with respect to the axis,the latch coupling region including a wedge shape formed by at least twosurfaces thereof proximate a corner of the latch, the coupling regionhaving a second tapered surface tapered at a second angle with respectto the axis complementary to the first angle such that when the latchand complementary coupling structures are engaged, at least a portion ofthe first and second tapered surfaces mate.
 40. The adjustable keyboardassembly of claim 39 wherein the cylindrical projection includes a tipportion and an intermediate portion adjacent the tip portion along theaxis of the cylindrical projection, at least one circumferential regionof the tip portion having a larger diameter than a diameter of at leastone circumferential region of the intermediate portion, thecomplementary coupling structure being formed between the twocircumferential regions.
 41. The adjustable keyboard assembly of claim40 wherein the circumferential region of the tip portion has a largerdiameter than a reduced diameter of the circumferential region of thesecond axial portion, forming a ceiling therebetween, the complementarycoupling structure including at least in part a portion of the ceiling.42. The adjustable keyboard of claim 40 wherein the intermediate portionincludes at least first and second circumferential regions, the firstcircumferential region having a larger diameter than the secondcircumferential region, two walls being formed on terminalcircumferential ends of the first circumferential region, the ceilingextending between the two walls.